Phillies Predicted to Acquire 2-Time All-Star Closer in Deadline Blockbuster

The Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets are in a tight race at the top of the National League East. The Phillies may want to upgrade their bullpen at the trade deadline to give themselves a better chance of winning the division.

The Phillies lost their closer, José Alvarado, to a PED suspension that will keep him out of the postseason. Former All-Star closer Jordan Romano stepped into the closer’s role but has struggled. He has a 4.38 ERA since Alvarado’s suspension, and the Phillies have recently kept him out of save situations

The Pittsburgh Pirates are poised to be sellers, and David Bednar could bring stability to the back of the Phillies’ bullpen. Sports Illustrated’s Nick Selbe predicted that the Phillies would actually land Bednar at the deadline.

Bednar was an All-Star in 2022 and 2023. He led the NL in saves in 2023 and had a 2.27 ERA over the course of those two seasons. Last season, he struggled, pitching to a 5.77 ERA. He started off the year poorly and was sent to Triple-A. However, since returning, he has looked like himself again.

He has a 2.03 ERA in 28 games since his return. He also has 11 saves and 38 strikeouts. He could be a key player for the Phillies in their quest for the World Series. However, Bednar may not be easy to acquire.

According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Pirates are taking calls on everyone except Paul Skenes and Oneil Cruz. However, Bednar has one more year of club control, and relievers are always a hot commodity at the deadline.

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